Regulations could ease firefighters’ fear of roof solar panels

The local fire chief says solar panels are partly to blame after a 300,000 sf refrigerated warehouse in Delanco, N.J., burned down.

September 19, 2013 |

BD+C Staff

The local fire chief says solar panels are partly to blame after a 300,000 sf refrigerated warehouse in Delanco, N.J., burned down. The 700 solar panels dissuaded the chief from putting his team on the roof for fear of coming in contact with live wires. Regulations are part of the solution to this problem. California requires clear labeling of solar energy at a building’s main service disconnect, and pending legislation in New Jersey would require buildings that use solar to post signs saying as much for the benefit of firefighters.